Kenyans will soon be required to pay toll fees on major roads. This is if the proposed Road Tolling policy by the Kenya National Highway Authority, KeNHA, is approved. The Road Tolling Policy, which is currently under discussion, will outline which roads will be subject to tolls. KeNHA has indicated that the roads under consideration for tolling include the Thika Superhighway, the Nairobi Southern Bypass, and the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway. others are Kenol-Sagana-Marua Road, Mombasa Southern Bypass, and the recently opened Dongo Kundu Bypass.
According to KeNHA, the Road Tolling Policy will be rolled out after going through adequate public participation. meanwhile. Taking to platform X, the agency has noted, “Once the Policy is finalized, it will guide which roads will be tolled. KeNHA remains committed to transparency and inclusivity throughout this process and will continue to engage with the public at every stage.”
This has, however, raised uproar among Kenyans on X. Kenyans have criticized KeNHA, arguing that tolling these major roads amounts to double taxation for already overburdened taxpayers. Many have called on the policy makers to drop the policy threatening to hit the streets for demonstrations if approved.
In January, former Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the government planned to introduce charges for the use of frequently traveled roads. He also stated that motorists who prefer not to pay the toll fees would be provided with alternative routes by the state.
Currently, the Nairobi Expressway stands as the sole toll road in Kenya. This major highway, which spans a significant stretch of the city, represents the country’s initial foray into road tolling. Managed by the Moja Expressway Company, road users pay between Ksh.120 and Ksh.360 to use the 27-kilometer passage that connects Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Nairobi’s Westlands. The road has 11 entry and exit points.